LAHORE – Federal Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal has said that the government did not want Exit Control List (ECL) to become a political tool.

Talking to media after attending a conference regarding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the interior minister confirmed receiving of letters from National Accountability Bureau (NAQ) to put the names of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his children – Hasan, Hussain and Maryam Nawaz – and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar. He said that a decision in this regard will be taken “on merit”.

On Wednesday, the NAB formally requested the Ministry of Interior to place the names of several members of Sharif family on the Exit Control List (ECL).

In a letter, the anti-corruption watchdog has requested to put the names of the ousted prime minister, his children and son-in-law on the ECL as “their trial is near to an end and it is feared that they will fly abroad”.

The incumbent government did not even use the ECL to target the opponents, adding, “We strike the names of PPP leaders off the ECL”.

He reiterated that PML-N leaver never criticise the judges and their verdict on the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif in Panamagate case. He added that the victims have right to show their concern over the verdict.

The July 28 verdict not only the PML-N but also make the apex court disputed, the interior minister stated.

The PML-N pay due respect to judges, he said, adding that the party also expected the judge to not use words against their stature.

Judiciary and parliament are important pillars of the state, the minister said, adding that ruling parted also expected of the top court to not involve in any political dispute.